The official that called him is John Paramour from the European Tour, there have been a couple of slow play penalties assessed in Europe already this year, I wonder whether the different officials discussed how strictly they are apply the time rules at this tournament.

It's still talking about the Masters. ESPN was just talking about it being the first in a major since 2004.

Still not convinced . . I can find numerous quotes stating that the last player to be penalized this way was Glen Day in 1995 at The Honda Classic - and I can't find any quotes about slow play penalty strokes more recent.

I can't believe they assessed him a stroke! I did some quick googling and it seems like he is the first player in 17 years to be assessed a stroke for slow play. Anybody know if that's true? If so - it seems completely unfair and ridiculous.

I think the penalty is a great message. Speed of play is the most important issue in the game of golf. Frankly I believe that speed of play is more important to the game than professional golf is. I love Nicklaus and like Tiger as players but I will never forgive them for making the average amateur think that playing that slow is normal or okay.